Shifting away from a more positive outlook on the economic recovery, auto executives aren’t quite as optimistic as before and have pulled back hiring and capital spending plans for 2012, according to a recent KPMG survey conducted in advance of the Los Angeles Auto Show. The KPMG Automotive Executive Survey, which was conducted in October, […] [Read More]

Ford Motor Credit revealed Wednesday that is has appointed a chief operating officer. Tapped for the newly created position is Bernard Silverstone, who is currently the president of marketing and sales for Ford Credit. Silverstone has also been elected a corporate officer of Ford Motor Co., as well. He will move into his new position […] [Read More]

The winner of the NADAguides Car of the Year was revealed Wednesday, as analysts at the Los Angeles International Auto Show chose the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. NADAguides highlighted that the Cruze beat out 10 other contenders that were eligible for this award based upon performance, impressive styling and design, fuel ratings, safety features and cost […] [Read More]

Motor Trend has chosen the recipient of its Car of the Year Award, revealing the winner Wednesday at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. Taking home the honor is the 2012 Volkswagon Passat, after being judged in categories including advancement in design, engineering excellence and safety, among others. The Passat — produced in the automaker’s […] [Read More]

November is shaping up to be a “buyer’s market” for remaining 2011 model-year vehicles, according to Vehix, which said dealers are still trying to move these units off their lots. Moreover, dealers are also starting to offer some deals on 2012 models, as well. With these trends as a backdrop, Vehix picked out what it […] [Read More]

As the holiday season approaches — a time where consumer confidence tends to grow  — AutoTrader.com’s New Car Insights Report found another interesting trend. Consumers in the market for a new car are turning their attention toward the luxury segment, as high-line vehicles gained significant increases in consumer interest this October, according to company research. […] [Read More]

Despite recent production struggles related to natural disasters in both Japan and Thailand, Asian OEMs still top the list when it comes to reliability and “vehicle health”, according to CarMD.com. In its first-ever CarMD Vehicle Health Index, Toyota came out on top and Hyundai and  Honda following closely behind in the index that rank manufacturers […] [Read More]

In addition to more insights from top pre-owned dealers, Day Two of Used Car Week will bring the unveiling of the IntelliChoice.com CPO Awards; as well as a used-vehicle market forecast from top executives at Black Book, Kelley Blue Book, NADA Used Car Guide, J.D. Power and Edmunds.com. The day will kick off with a […] [Read More]

 In a special panel Monday at the CPO Forum called “What It Takes to Be the Very Best,” top CPO dealers revealed some key insights into their thinking and tricks of the trade. Representing Honda, BMW, Chevrolet and many more brands, here are a few top dealer thoughts: —“If we’re going to sell pre-owned, we’re […] [Read More]

Brian Benstock was at a Honda meeting in the late 1990s when he went to a small breakout session attended by only about 15 of the 1,000 dealers at the event. What he learned that day hooked him into the certified pre-owned market. [Read More]